Inhalation formulations of treprostinil

ABSTRACT

The present invention describes novel methods for using Treprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the treatment and/or prevention of ischemic lesions, such as digital ulcers, in subjects with scleroderma (including systemic sclerosis), Buerger&#39;s disease, Raynaud&#39;s disease, Raynaud&#39;s phenomenon and/or other conditions that cause such lesions. The invention also relates to kits for treatment and/or prevention of ischemic lesions, comprising an effective amount of Treprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/629,938, filed Feb. 24, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/232,611, filed Sep. 19, 2008, which is abandonedand is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/012,723filed Dec. 16, 2004, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,765,813, on Jul. 1,2014, and claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/529,622filed Dec. 16, 2003, all of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

FIELD

The invention relates to the use of Treprostinil or its derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to treat and/or preventischemic lesions, such as digital (fingers and toes) ulcers and necroticlesions, caused by scleroderma, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease,Raynaud's phenomenon or other conditions. This invention also relates tokits to be used for this purpose.

BACKGROUND

Treprostinil, also known as UT-15, is a known compound disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,306,075 in example 33. Treprostinil is a synthetic analog ofepoprostenol, a prostaglandin F₁. The activities ascribed to the variouscompounds of this patent include inhibition of smooth muscle cellproliferation, inhibition of platelet aggregation, inhibition ofcytokine secretion, reduction of gastric secretion, vasodialation andbronchodilation.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,222 discloses the use of Treprostinil and relatedcompounds to treat pulmonary hypertension. U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,486discloses the use of Treprostinil and related compounds to treatperipheral vascular disease, such as peripheral arterial occlusivedisease and intermittent claudication. Patterson et al., Amer. J. ofCardiology, 75: 26A-33A (1995), have shown vasodilator effects ofTreprostinil in patients with class III or class IV heart failure.

Clapp et al., Am. J. Respir. Cell. Mol. Biol., 26(2): 194-201 (2002),have shown that Treprostinil inhibits proliferation of human pulmonaryarterial smooth muscle cells. Raychaudhuri et al., J. Biol. Chem.,277(36): 33344-8 (2002), have disclosed that Treprostinil inhibitsinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β,interleukin-6, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor)secretion and gene expression by human alveolar macrophages.

Patients with diseases or conditions, such as scleroderma (includingsystemic sclerosis), experience, among other things, abnormalities inthe blood vessels that supply the skin. As a result, these patientsexperience ulcerations or even areas of necrosis (tissue death) oncertain parts of their skin. Ischemic lesions associated with diseasessuch as scleroderma tend to occur on the hands and fingers, often overthe knuckles, but also on other bony prominences, such as elbows, knees,hips, ankles and toes.

To date, the standard of care for treatment of ischemic lesions hasincluded administration of topical hydrocolloid dressings, topicalantibiotic ointments, analgesics for pain, debridement and wound carefor ischemic wounds. Although certain types of dressings sometimes canhelp to aid healing of the lesions, the these treatments are oftenunsuccessful.

Other investigators have suggested that Ilomedin, a stable prostacyclinanalog, may heal ischemic ulcers in lower limbs, as seen in patientswith Buerger's disease. Fiessinger and Schafer, Lancet, 335(8689): 555-7(1990); Norgren et al., Eur. J Vasc. Surg. (5): 463-7 (1990); Benthin,Ugeskr Laeger, 157(36): 4946-7 (1995). Others have suggested thatpatients treated with Ilomedin treatment may show improvements in thefrequency and severity of Raynaud's attacks. Kyle et al., J Rheumatol.,(9): 1403-6 (1992); McHugh et al., Ann Rheum Dis., 47(1): 43-7 (1988).

Mohler et al., Vascular Medicine, 5: 231-237 (2000) have demonstrated,in patients with severe intermittent claudication, that Treprostinilcauses an increase in blood flow in large blood vessels of the lowerlimbs, such as the common femoral, superficial femoral, popliteal andanterial tibial arteries. These investigators also have found thatTreprostinil stimulates detectable blood flow in ankles of certainperipheral arterial disease patients, who otherwise exhibited minimal orno detectable blood flow in the absence of treatment. Likewise, theinvestigators found that some patients show improved pulse volumerecordings in lower limbs upon Treprostinil treatment.

Ischemic lesions, and particularly digital ischemic lesions, such asthose caused by systemic schlerosis, are extremely painful,debilitating, and heal slowly. Thus, the need exists to identify viablemethods, as well as kits, that can be used to prevent and treat suchlesions. The present invention satisfies this need and provides relatedadvantages as well.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an inhalation formulation comprises apharmaceutically effective amount of treprostinil sodium and a carriersuitable for administration with a nebulizer, wherein the formulation isin a solution form.

According to another embodiment, a method of treating pulmonaryhypertension comprises administering by inhalation to a subject in needthereof an inhalation formulation comprising a pharmaceuticallyeffective amount of treprostinil sodium and a carrier suitable foradministration with a nebulizer, wherein the formulation is in asolution form.

According to yet another embodiment, administration of Treprostinil orits derivatives, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, reducesthe occurrence, number, size and severity of ischemic lesions, includingdigital ischemic lesions (such as ulcers and necrotic lesions), presenton subjects with diseases such scleroderma, Buerger's disease, Raynaud'sdisease, Raynaud's phenomenon, and other conditions. Treprostinil iswell suited for the prevention and treatment of ischemic lesions,including digital ischemic lesions, because the compound is a stableanalogue of prostaglandin, can be used in intravenous administration, isnot degraded when it passes through the lungs, and has a long biologicalhalf-life.

Accordingly, present invention provides for the treatment or preventionof ischemic lesions, such as digital ischemic lesions, in subjects withscleroderma (including systemic schlerosis), Buerger's disease,Raynaud's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, or other conditions, comprisingadministering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount ofTreprostinil, its derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. The present invention also provides for kits for accomplishingthis purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the design of a study that examines the use of Treprostinilfor the treatment and prevention of digital ischemic lesions in patientswith systemic sclerosis.

FIG. 2 indicates the disposition of the patients enrolled in the study.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the size of target lesions during Treprostiniltherapy.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the average improvement in diameter ofbaseline digital ischemic lesions.

FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing the number of total and new digitalischemic lesions.

FIG. 6 is a bar graph showing the subjective measures of digitalischemic lesions

FIG. 7 shows the resolution of target digital ischemic lesions overlying3rd metacarpophalangeal (MCP).

FIG. 8 shows patient assessed mean-average and worst rest pain rating.

FIG. 9 is a graph of pulmonary vascular resistance (cmH₂O*min/liter)intravenously induced by U44069 over time (min).

FIG. 10 describes the effects of a high dose of UT15, given as anaerosol, on the hemodynamic variables of the sheep. Specifically, FIG. 2depicts the effects of the aerosolized UT15 administered to the sheepintravenously induced with U44069 on systemic arterial pressure (PSA orPSYS); on pulmonary arterial pressure (PPA); and pulmonary vascularresistance (PVR), respectively.

FIG. 11 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused UT15 andaerosolized UT15 on the heart rate during baseline conditions.

FIG. 12 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused UT15 andaerosolized UT15 on the systemic arterial pressure during baselineconditions.

FIG. 13 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused UT15 andaerosolized UT15 on the central venous pressure during baselineconditions.

FIG. 14 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused UT15 andaerosolized UT15 on the pulmonary arterial pressure during baselineconditions.

FIG. 15 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused UT15 andaerosolized UT15 on the left atrial pressure during baseline conditions.

FIG. 16 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused UT15 andaerosolized UT15 on cardiac output during baseline conditions.

FIG. 17 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused UT15 andaerosolized UT15 on pulmonary vascular resistance during baselineconditions.

FIG. 18 is the dose-response effect on the heart rate of intravenouslyinfused UT15 and aerosolized UT15 during intravenously infused U44069.

FIG. 19 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused andaerosolized UT15 on central venous pressure during intravenously infusedU44069.

FIG. 20 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused andaerosolized UT15 on systemic arterial pressure during intravenouslyinfused U44069.

FIG. 21 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused andaerosolized UT15 on pulmonary arterial pressure during intravenouslyinfused U44069.

FIG. 22 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused andaerosolized UT15 on left atrial pressure during intravenously infusedU44069.

FIG. 23 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused andaerosolized UT15 on cardiac output during intravenously infused U44069.

FIG. 24 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused andaerosolized UT15 on pulmonary vascular resistance during intravenouslyinfused U44069.

FIG. 25 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused andaerosolized UT15 on pulmonary vascular driving pressure (PPA minus PLA)during baseline conditions.

FIG. 26 is the dose-response effect of intravenously infused andaerosolized UT15 on pulmonary vascular driving pressure (PPA-PLA) duringintravenously infused U44069.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventors believe that therapies that enhance cutaneous blood flow(i.e., to the skin), by increasing blood flow though smaller vessels andcapillaries, are effective to treat and prevent ischemic lesions on theskin, including digital ischemic lesions. Prostacyclins are smallmolecules that have been previously shown to cause dilation of largeblood vessels, relaxation of smooth muscle, inhibition of smooth muscleproliferation, as well as inhibition of platelet aggregation, which isinvolved in the blood clotting process. Similar actions by Treprostinilat the microvascular level and on capillaries near the skin are believedto help enhance cutaneous blood flow and heal and/or prevent ischemialesions or ulcers associated with scleroderma, Buerger's disease,Raynaud's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, and other conditions.

The present invention relates to methods for treating and/or preventingischemic lesions in a subject with a disease or condition that causesischemic lesions, comprising administering to a subject in need thereofan effective amount of Treprostinil and/or a derivative thereof and/or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Suitable derivatives includeacid derivatives, pro-drugs, sustained release forms, inhaled forms andoral forms of Treprostinil, including those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,521,212; 7,417,070 and 7,384,978.

Benzindine prostaglandins are now known to be useful to treat a varietyof conditions. U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,222 describes the use of a preferredclass of benzindene prostaglandins in the treatment of pulmonaryhypertension, including both primary and secondary pulmonaryhypertension. In particular, this patent discusses the use of thecompound compound9-deoxy-2′,9-alpha-methano-3-oxa-4,5,6-trinor-3,7-(1′,3′-interphenylene)-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandinF₁ (also known as UT-15).

However, this patent does not specifically suggest the administration ofsuch benzindene prostaglandins by inhalation or the surprising benefitsthat result from their delivery by inhalation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,075 describes a large group of carbacyclin analogs,including benzindene prostaglandins, which produce variouspharmacological responses, such as inhibition of platelet aggregation,reduction of gastric secretion, and bronchodilation. It is indicatedthat the compounds have useful application as anti-thrombotic agents,anti-hypertension agents, anti-ulcer agents, and anti-asthma agents. Thepatent does mention administration by inhalation. The patentspecifically discloses the compound UT-15 in Example 33. However, thispatent provides only limited biological data relating to the use of suchcompounds. At column 59, example 31, the patent discloses a compoundthat is structurally similar to that of example 33 (UT-15), but it isnot the same compound. Example 31 discloses (column 59, lines 41-45)that “[t]he compounds [sic]9-deoxy-2′,9α-methano-3-oxa-4,5,6-trinor-3,7-(1′,3′-interphenylene)-PGF₁,methyl ester, given to a rat orally at a dose of 1 mg/kg lowered bloodpressure 44 mmHg. After 52 min the blood pressure was still lower 14mm.” All blood is driven through the lungs via the pulmonary circulationin order, among other things, to replenish the oxygen which it dispensesin its passage around the rest of the body via the systemic circulation.The flow through both circulations is in normal circumstances equal, butthe resistance offered to it in the pulmonary circulation is generallymuch less than that of the systemic circulation. When the resistance topulmonary blood flow increases, the pressure in the circulation isgreater for any particular flow. This is referred to as pulmonaryhypertension. Generally, pulmonary hypertension is defined throughobservations of pressures above the normal range pertaining in themajority of people residing at the same altitude and engaged in similaractivities.

Most often pulmonary hypertension is a manifestation of an obvious orexplicable increase in resistance, such as obstruction to blood flow bypulmonary emboli, malfunction of the heart's valves or muscle inhandling blood after its passage through the lungs, diminution inpulmonary vessel caliber as a reflex response to hypoventilation and lowoxygenation, or a mismatch of vascular capacity and essential bloodflow, such as shunting of blood in congenital abnormalities or surgicalremoval of lung tissue. Such pulmonary hypertension is referred to assecondary hypertension.

There remain some cases of pulmonary hypertension where the cause of theincreased resistance is as yet inexplicable. They are described asprimary pulmonary hypertension (PPH) and are diagnosed by and afterexclusion of the causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension. Despite thepossibility of a varied etiology, cases of primary pulmonaryhypertension tend to comprise a recognizable entity. Approximately 65%are female and young adults are most commonly afflicted, though it hasoccurred in children and patients over 50. Life expectancy from the timeof diagnosis is short, about 3 to 5 years, though occasional reports ofspontaneous remission and longer survival are to be expected given thenature of the diagnostic process. Generally, however, progress isinexorable via syncope and right heart failure and death is quite oftensudden. Pulmonary hypertension refers to a condition associated with anelevation of pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) over normal levels. Inhumans, a typical mean PAP is approximately 12-15 mm Hg. Pulmonaryhypertension, on the other hand, is sometimes marked by PAP increases byat least 5 to 10 mm Hg over normal levels. PAP readings as high as 50 to100 mm Hg over normal levels have been reported. When the PAP markedlyincreases, plasma can escape from the capillaries into the lunginterstitium and alveoli. Fluid buildup in the lung (pulmonary edema)can result, with an associated decrease in lung function that can insome cases be fatal. Pulmonary hypertension may either be acute orchronic. Acute pulmonary hypertension is often a potentially reversiblephenomenon generally attributable to constriction of the smooth muscleof the pulmonary blood vessels, which may be triggered by suchconditions as hypoxia (as in high-altitude sickness), acidosis,inflammation, or pulmonary embolism. Chronic pulmonary hypertension ischaracterized by major structural changes in the pulmonary vasculature,which result in a decreased cross-sectional area of the pulmonary bloodvessels. This may be caused by, for example, chronic hypoxia,thromboembolism, or unknown causes (idiopathic or primary pulmonaryhypertension). Pulmonary hypertension has been implicated in severallife-threatening clinical conditions, such as adult respiratory distresssyndrome (“ARDS”) and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn(“PPHN”). Zapol et al., Acute Respiratory Failure, p. 241-273, MarcelDekker, New York (1985); Peckham, J. Ped. 93:1005 (1978). PPHN, adisorder that primarily affects full-term infants, is characterized byelevated pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary arterial hypertension,and right-to-left shunting of blood through the patent ductus arteriosusand foramen ovale of the newborn's heart. Mortality rates range from12-50%. Fox, Pediatrics 59:205 (1977); Dworetz, Pediatrics 84:1 (1989).Pulmonary hypertension may also result in a potentially fatal heartcondition known as “cor pulmonale”, or pulmonary heart disease. Fishman,“Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders” 2^(nd) Ed., McGraw-Hill, New York(1988).

The treatment of pulmonary hypertension by the parenteral administrationof certain prostaglandin endoperoxides, such as prostacyclin (also knownas flolan), is also known and is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,812.Prostacyclin has been administered by inhalation and is used to treatpulmonary hypertension by inhalation. Anesthesiology, vol. 82, no. 6,pp. 1315-1317.

This invention relates to the administration of a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a benzindine prostaglandin to a mammal in needthereof by inhalation. More particularly, the invention relates to amethod of treating pulmonary hypertension by administering an effectiveamount of a benzindine prostaglandin to a mammal in need thereof byinhalation.

Inhalation of benzindine prostaglandins provides unexpectedly superiorresults compared to parenteral administration of benzindeneprostaglandins.

Unless otherwise specified, all references to “a” or “an” mean at leastone.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method of delivering abenzindene prostaglandin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or esterthereof to a mammal in need thereof by inhalation.

A preferred group of benzindene prostaglandins for delivery byinhalation according to the present invention is as follows:

wherein a is an integer of from 1 to 3; X and Y, which may be the sameor different, are selected from —O— and —CH2-; R is —(CH2)5-R1 whereinR1 is hydrogen or methyl, or R is cyclohexyl, or R is —CH(CH3)CH2C≡CCH3;and the dotted line represents an optional double bond; or aphysiologically acceptable salt or acid derivative thereof.

The most preferred benzindene prostaglandin is UT-15, which is9-deoxy-2′,9-alpha-methano-3-oxa-4,5,6-trinor-3,7-(1′,3-interphenylene)-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandinF1. “Inhalation” delivery in the context of this invention refers to thedelivery of the active ingredient or combination of active ingredientsthrough a respiratory passage, wherein the mammal in need of the activeingredient(s) inhales the active ingredient(s) through the mammal'sairways, such as the nose or mouth.

Active ingredients, which are aerosolized, atomized, and/or nebulizedfor delivery by inhalation according to the present invention includeliquid formulations comprising a benzindene prostaglandin, such asUT-15, alone or in combination with other active ingredients describedbelow. UT-15 may be used as a free acid or in the form of apharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester or other acid derivative. Inaddition, sustained release formulations comprising UT-15 may be used,including PEGylated forms and/or protein-conjugated forms of UT-15.

The term “acid derivative” is used herein to describe C1-4 alkyl estersand amides, including amides wherein the nitrogen is optionallysubstituted by one or two C1-4 alkyl groups.

The invention also includes bioprecursors or “pro-drugs” of UT-15, thatis, compounds which are converted in vivo to UT-15 or itspharmaceutically active derivatives thereof.

Further aspects of the present invention are concerned with the use ofUT-15, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or acid derivative thereof,in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of peripheralvascular disease

The present invention extends to non-physiologically acceptable salts ofUT-15 which may be used in the preparation of the pharmacologicallyactive compounds of the invention. The physiologically acceptable saltsof UT-15 include salts derived from bases.

Base salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as those ofsodium and potassium, alkaline earth metal salts such as those ofcalcium and magnesium, salts with organic bases such asdicyclohexylamine and N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acidssuch as arginine and lysine.

Quaternary ammonium salts can be formed, for example, by reaction withlower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides,bromides, and iodides, with dialkyl sulphates, with long chain halides,such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl, and stearyl chlorides, bromides, andiodides, and with aralkyl halides, such as benzyl and phenethylbromides.

Optionally, one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers orexcipients may be included in the formulation to be aerosolized,atomized, or nebulized according to the invention.

A preferred solution for administration by inhalation with a nebulizerincludes a sterile solution of UT-15 comprising UT-15, sodium citrate,citric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride, and meta-cresol. A morepreferred solution is prepared by mixing 0.125 grams UT-15, 1.25 gramshydrous sodium citrate, 0.125 grams of anhydrous citric acid, 0.05 gramsof sodium hydroxide, and approximately 250 ml of water for injection.

Preferably, a nebulizer, inhaler, atomizer or aerosolizer is used whichforms droplets from a solution or liquid containing the activeingredient(s). The droplets are preferably less than 10 micrometers indiameter. One preferred nebulizer is the AM-601 MEDICATOR AEROSOLDELIVERY SYSTEM™ (a nebulizer manufactured by Healthline Medical inBaldwin Park, Calif.).

Alternatively, solid formulations, usually in the form of a powder, maybe inhaled in accordance with the present invention. In such case, theparticles are preferably less than 10 micrometers in diameter, and morepreferably, less than 5 micrometers in diameter.

This invention further relates to delivering a benzindene prostaglandinand/or its salts pr esters by inhalation for applications whereinhalation delivery is appropriate for the treatment of that particularcondition. Benzindene prostaglandins, including UT-15 and its salts oresters, have been shown to be useful for multiple applications. Forexample, UT-15 has been shown to exhibit a potent anti-aggregatoryaction on blood platelets, and therefore has a particular utility inmammals as an anti-thrombotic agent. Further known uses of UT-15 includetreatment of peripheral vascular disease (covered in co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 09/190,450, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein). In the case of treating peripheralvascular disease by inhalation of a benzindene prostaglandin of thepresent invention, the dosage for inhalation, taking into account thatsome of the active ingredient is breathed out and not taken into thebloodstream, should be sufficient to deliver an amount that isequivalent to a daily infusion dose in the range of 25 μg to 250 mg;typically from 0.5 μg to 2.5 mg, preferably from 7 μg to 285 μg, per dayper kilogram bodyweight. For example, an intravenous dose in the range0.5 μg to 1.5 mg per kilogram bodyweight per day may conveniently beadministered as an infusion of from 0.5 ng to 1.0 μg per kilogrambodyweight per minute. A preferred dosage is 10 ng/kg/min.

Benzindene prostaglandins, including UT-15 and its salts or esters, mayalso be administered according to the present invention by inhalation toreduce and control excessive gastric secretion, thereby reducing oravoiding gastrointestinal ulcer formation, and accelerating the healingof ulcers and lesions already present in the gastrointestinal tract. Inaddition, benzindene prostaglandins may also be administered accordingto the present invention by inhalation to treat congestive heartfailure, to reduce inflammation and/or pulmonary hypertension associatedwith lung transplants.

Benzindene prostaglandins, including UT-15 and its salts or esters,further exhibit vasodilatory action on blood vessels and therefore havea particular utility as anti-hypertensives for the treatment of highblood pressure in mammals, including man. Use as an anti-hypertensive(or hypotensive agent) may be accomplished by administering apharmaceutical composition containing a benzidene prostaglandin,including UT-15.

Benzindene prostaglandins, including UT-15, may be used according to thepresent invention by inhalation to treat any condition where it isdesired to reduce blood pressure, inhibit platelet aggregation, toreduce the adhesive character of platelets, and/or to treat or preventthe formation of thrombi in mammals, including man. For example, theymay be used in the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarcts andin the treatment of peripheral vascular disease, to treat and preventpost-operative thrombosis, to promote patency of vascular graftsfollowing surgery, and to treat complications of arteriosclerosis andconditions such as atherosclerosis, blood clotting defects due tolipemia, and other clinical conditions in which the underlying etiologyis associated with lipid imbalance or hyperlipidemia. Moreover,benzindene prostaglandins, including UT-15 and its salts or esters, havea further utility in the promotion of wound healing in mammals,including man.

Benzindene prostaglandins, including UT-15 and its salts or esters, mayalso be used as additives to blood, blood products, blood substitutes,and other fluids, which are used in artificial extra-corporealcirculation and perfusion of isolated body portions, e.g., limbs andorgans, whether attached to the original body, detached and beingpreserved or prepared for transplant, or attached to a new body. Duringthese circulations and perfusions, aggregated platelets tend to blockthe blood vessels and portions of the circulation apparatus. Thisblocking is avoided by the presence of UT-15. For this purpose, UT-15 orits salts or esters may be introduced by inhalation until it reaches alevel in the circulating blood, the blood of the donor animal, or theblood of the perfused body portion, or to two or all of those equivalentto a steady state dose of 0.001 micrograms to 10 micrograms, per literof circulating fluid. Another embodiment is to use UT-15 in laboratoryanimals, e.g., cats, dogs, rabbits, monkeys and rats, for these purposesin order to develop new methods and techniques for organ and limbtransplants.

In accordance with the present invention, a benzindine prostaglandin isdelivered by inhalation to a patient in need thereof in a“therapeutically effective amount”. A “therapeutically effective amount”refers to that amount that has therapeutic effects on the conditionintended to be treated or prevented. For example, an “antihypertensiveeffective amount” refers to that amount in which the effects frompulmonary hypertension, and particularly, pulmonary arterial pressure(PAP), are reduced towards a normal level relative to hypertensivelevels, or maintained at normal levels. The precise amount that isconsidered effective for a particular therapeutic purpose will, ofcourse, depend upon the specific circumstances of the patient beingtreated and the magnitude of effect desired by the patient's doctor.Titration to effect may be used to determine proper dosage.

Such formulations, both for veterinary and for human medical use, of thepresent invention comprise the active ingredient, a benzindeneprostaglandin or salt or ester thereof, together with one or morepharmacologically acceptable carriers therefor and optionally othertherapeutic ingredients. The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in thesense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulationand not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

Furthermore, the formulations may conveniently be presented in unitdosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in theart of pharmacy. All methods include the step of bringing intoassociation the active ingredient with the carrier which constitutes oneor more pharmacologically acceptable accessory ingredients.

The invention further relates to a method of treating pulmonaryhypertension by inhalation of a benzindene prostaglandin. “Pulmonaryhypertension” refers to both acute and chronic hypertension, includingprimary pulmonary hypertension and secondary pulmonary hypertension, andis associated with an elevated pulmonary arterial pressure over normallevels.

The efficacy of benzindene prostaglandins, such as UT-15, for treatingpulmonary hypertension can be assessed by determining the hemodynamicsassociated with pulmonary hypertension. In particular, measurements ofpulmonary arterial pressure (PPA), left atrial pressure (PLA), centralvenous pressure (PCV), systemic arterial pressure (PSYS), heart rate(HR), and cardiac output (CO) are useful in determining the effects ofbenzindene prostaglandins delivered by inhalation or parenterally.

Although pulmonary arterial pressure can be directly measured and isoften used to quantify pulmonary arterial hypertension, PPA can beaffected by 3 other variables: CO, PLA and PVR, as indicated by Equation1:

PPA=(CO*PVR)+PLA  (1)

As can be seen from Equation 1, PPA can be elevated by increases in PLA(e.g., left heart failure, mitral valve stenosis, mitral valveregurgitation), increases in CO (e.g., low hematocrit, peripheralvasodilation, left to right shunt, etc.), and by increases in PVR(decreased pulmonary vascular surface area, decreased pulmonary vascularradii, pulmonary vascular obstructions, etc.).

On the other hand, PVR can not be directly measured and must becalculated by the following Equation 2:

PVR=(PPA−PLA)/CO  (2)

PVR is a better index of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), sinceinterventions used to treat PAH are best if they only affect PVR andhave no or little effect on CO and PLA.

Heart rate was determined by measuring the time (seconds) required for25 heart beats to occur (t25) as indicated by the pulsations on theblood flow meter; the beats per minute (BPM) were calculated by thefollowing equation:

BPM=(25 beats/t25)*60 seconds

All pressure may be monitored by commercially available transducers,such as Model 1290A HEWLETT PACKARD™ transducer (Andover, Mass.), whichis attached to VALIDYNE CD19A Carrier Dmod. Amplifiers (Northridge,Calif.). Cardiac output may be measured by a Transonic Systems T101Ultrasonic Bloodflow Meter (Ithaca, N.Y.). The pressure and blood flowsignals may be recorded on ASTROMED MT-9500 Stripchart Recorder (WestWarwick, R.I.) and digitally recorded with a personal computer usingEasy Data Acquisition Software (Nashville, Tenn.).

It has been discovered that aerosolized UT-15 has both greater potencyand efficacy relative to attenuating chemically induced pulmonaryhypertension as shown by an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance.Furthermore, aerosolized UT-15 has a greater potency as compared tointravascularly administered UT-15, since the actual amount of UT-15delivered via aerosolization delivery is only a fraction (10-50%) of thedosage delivered intravascularly. While the mechanism(s) that accountsfor the greater potency and efficacy for aerosolized UT-15 is unknown,it can be hypothesized that a low “first-pass” uptake via intravenousinfusion of UT-15 could be at least partially responsible. A lowfirst-pass uptake would thus allow the majority of the drug to be madeavailable to the peripheral circulation (including the coronarycirculation), which would increase the heart rate and cardiac output.Aerosolized UT-15 has no apparent peripheral effects, such as on theheart rate or cardiac output, as compared to intravascular UT-15 duringpulmonary vascular hypertension by chemical inducement. This isparticularly beneficial for those patients that are near right heartfailure and where peripheral vasodilation would exacerbate the challengeto the right heart. On the other hand, if cardiac output is compromiseddue to right heart failure, then aerosolized prostaglandin woulddecrease PVR and could allow cardiac output to increase while allowinglowering the load upon the right heart.

The following examples are provided by way of an illustration of thepresent invention and should in no way be construed as constituting alimitation thereof.

EXAMPLES Example I Animal Model

Inhalation solutions were prepared by combining 1.25 grams of SodiumCitrate (Hydrous), 0.125 Citric Acid (Anhydrous), 0.05 grams of SodiumHydroxide (NF/BP), 0.125 grams of UT-15, and approximately 250 ml ofWater for Injection according to the following steps.

1. Measured approximately 210 ml of water into a sterile siliconizedglass beaker with a magnetic stir bar2. Added sodium citrate. Mixed until dissolved.3. Added citric acid to Step 2 solution. Mixed until dissolved.4. Measured 12.5 ml of water into sterile plastic tube. Added sodiumhydroxide. Mixed until dissolved.5. Added UT15 to Step 4 solution. Mixed by hand until dissolved.6. Added the Step 5 solution to Step 3 solution and mixed.7. pH was adjusted using hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxidesolutions to a value of 7.38. Final solution was filtered using sterile microfilter into anothersterile beaker, then 5 ml of solution was aliquoted to sterile stopperedblood test tubes.9. Solutions were double boxed and put in −4 degrees Celsius freezer.10. Placebo solution made up as described above except UT-15 not addedand quantities adjusted to make only 50 ml.

Working solution was made by adding sterile saline to dilute the UT15stock solution or placebo to the desired amount (depending on dosedesired, weight of sheep, and duration of aerosolizing). This solutionwas then added to the nebulizer in volumes not exceeding 5 ml untilentire amount was used.

For a 35 kg sheep at a UT-15 dose of 250 ng per kg per minute for 30minutes, the calculations used were, Calculations: 250×35×30=262,500 ngof UT-15 or 262.5 micrograms of UT-15. The nebulization rate was 0.28 mlper minute, thus 8.4 ml of solution was needed containing 262.5micrograms of UT-15. However, an amount of solution is needed for the“void” volume (volume always left in the nubulizer). Thus a volume of 9ml containing a total of 281.25 micrograms of UT-15 (or 0.5625 ml of thestock solution) was made up.

0.5625 ml of UT-15 was measured and added to 8.4375 of sterile saline.This was nebulized over exactly 30 minutes.

Sheep were used as the animal model of choice for these experiments fora number of reasons. First is the docile nature of sheep. They willstand quietly in metabolic cages without having to utilize tranquilizingdrugs, which have the potential to complicate experimental results.Second, sheep are large enough to allow direct measurement of CO, PPA,PLA, PCV, and PSYS. Sheep are also large enough to allow directaerosolization of substances into the lung via trachoestomy therebypreventing swallowing of drugs and thus eliminating a possible secondaryroute of administration of UT-15. Third, sheep can tolerate a greatamount of instrumentation with little or no discomfort. Fourth, sheephave been utilized for several years as an animal model of pulmonaryarterial hypertension and thus, there is a great amount of historicaldata with which to compare the results. The agent chosen to inducepulmonary arterial hypertension was a PGH2 analog, U44069(9,11-dideoxy,9α,11α-epoxymethanoprostaglandin F_(2α)). The reasons forusing U44069 are that it is a very potent pulmonary vasoconstrictor, itscharacteristics are very similar to endogenously formed thromboxane A2,and it can be titrated to induce the desired degree of pulmonaryvasoconstriction. U44069 was mixed with sterile normal salineimmediately prior to being used and was protected from light by wrappingthe solution with aluminum foil. The concentration of U44069 wasadjusted such that a minimal flow rate of 0.8 ml per min was beinginfused into the sheep. This was done because more concentrated U44069would have to be infused at very low rates and often causes “pulses” ofU44069 due to the infusion characteristics of roller pumps. The U44069pulses cause vasoconstriction “spikes” and thus would create induce anon-steady-state.

Surgical Procedures

Six yearling sheep (3 males, 3 females; 21-37 kg) were fasted 18-24hours and initially anesthetized with a short acting barbiturate(thiopental) to allow intubation of the sheep. Halothane gas anesthesia(1.5-2.5%) was then used for the surgical procedures. Via a leftthoracotomy, a Transonic blood flow probe was placed around the mainpulmonary artery, silastic catheters placed in the main pulmonary arteryand left atrium. After approximately 7 days the sheep werereanesthetized and the left carotid artery cannulated, a CordisIntroducer Sheath inserted in the left jugular vein, and a tracheotomymade. The sheep were allowed to recover for another 3-5 days prior toexperimentation. These sheep were used to allow measurement of pulmonaryarterial pressure (PPA), left atrial pressure (PLA), central venouspressure (PCV), systemic arterial pressure (PSYS), heart rate (HR), andcardiac output (CO) after baseline measurements were made for a minimumof 30 minutes.

Example II Effects of Prolonged U44069 Intravenous Infusion on PulmonaryVascular Resistance

In four sheep, the ability of U44069 to maintain a steady-state increasein PVR was determined. After a 30 minute baseline, U44069 was infused ata rate of 1 microgram per kg of body weight per minute for 180 minutes.As can be seen by FIG. 1, the increase in PVR induced by intravenouslyinduced U44069 is very stable over 3 hours. (In the figures, all dataare given as mean±SEM. “*” indicates significantly different fromcorresponding intravenously infusion UT-15 delivery rate. “#” indicatessignificantly different from corresponding baseline value. “&” indicatessignificantly different from corresponding U44069 value.) Statisticalanalysis was also tested using multiple paired t-tests, which are not asrigorous as One-way ANOVA/Dunnett's test. In particular, FIG. 9illustrates that intravenously infused U44069 causes PVR to reach asteady-state increase by 30 minutes and that the steady-state increaselasts for a minimum of 180 minutes. U44069 caused significantalterations in other variables (data not shown) over the 180 minuteinfusion period relative to their baseline values: PPA increased, HRdecreased, CO decreased. PSYS increased above baseline values, however,the differences were not statistically different except at 120, 150 and180 minutes during U44069 infusion. PCV also increased during U44069infusion, however, the increases were only significant at 30 and 60minutes. PLA did not significantly change at any of the time pointsinvestigated.

Since all of the U44069 time values were different from baseline yetnone were different from each other as determined by the paired t-tests,this would argue strongly that there were no differences at any of thetime points during U44069 infusion. These data would indicate that anyalterations in PVR by UT-15 is due to the effects of UT-15 and notcomplicated by waning of the vasoconstrictor response.

Example III Effects of Aerosolized UT-15 Given at High Doses on BaselineHemodynamics

Baseline measurements consisted of 30 minutes of monitoring duringvehicle/saline aerosolization (0.28 ml/min). After baselinemeasurements, the vehicle/saline solution in the aerosol delivery systemwas replaced with the stock UT-15 solution (500 ng/ml) and wasaerosolized at 0.28 ml/min for 90 minutes.

FIG. 10 depicts the only statistically altered variables observed after90 minutes of high dose aerosolized UT-15 (3800-5700 ng per kg per min).PSYS decreased by 7.5%, PPA decreased by approximately 18%, and PVRdecreased by approximately 19% relative to their respective baselinevalues.

These data are important in that this would indicate that, unlikeintravenously infused UT-15, aerosolized UT-15 can be given in highdoses without significant non-lung effects, i.e., heart rate, cardiacoutput. The aerosol delivery of UT-15 for these experiments isapproximately 15-27 times that of the effective minimal tested dose of250 ng per kg per min shown in FIG. 24.

Example IV Control Intravenous UT-15 and Control Aerosolized UT-15 DoseResponse Effects on Baseline Hemodynamics

Two separate experiments were conducted to determine the dose responseeffects of intravenously infused UT-15 on baseline hemodynamics andaerosolized UT-15 on baseline hemodynamics. For the infusionexperimental protocol, after a 30 minute baseline was established, UT-15was infused intravenously at 3 rates (250, 500 and 1000 ng per kg permin). In three sheep, the infusion rates lasted for 30 minutes each, andfor the other three sheep, the infusions were for 60 minutes each.

The aerosolized UT-15 protocol involved establishing a 30 minutebaseline, then administering aerosolized UT-15 via a tracheostromy atrates of 250, 500 and 1000 microgram per kg of body weight per min andat an aerosolization rate of 0.28 ml/min. Again, three sheep wereaerosolized for 30 minutes and the other three sheep were aerosolizedfor 60 minutes.

No differences were found between 30 minute and 60 minute UT-15 deliveryat each of the 3 rates of administration. FIG. 11 shows thedose-response of intravenously infused and aerosolized UT-15 on heartrate. Heart rate significantly increased during intravenousadministration of UT-15 at 250, 500 and 1000 ng per kg per min.Aerosolized UT15 had no effect on heart rate. There was a significantdifference between aerosolized and intravenously infused UT-15 at eachof the 3 rates of administration.

FIG. 12 shows that both aerosolized and intravenous UT-15 had nosignificant effect on PSYS at any of the administration rates used.

The effects of UT-15 on PCV are depicted by FIG. 13. There were nostatistical difference at any dose relative to its baseline value norbetween intravenous and aerosol administered UT-15 at any respectivedose. The same effects were also observed for PPA as indicated by FIG.14, although there was a general trend for PPA to decrease when UT-15was aerosolized.

Interestingly, while neither intravenous nor aerosolized UT-15 causedPLA to significantly change from their respective baselines (althoughthe mean values increased during aerosol delivery and decreased forintravenous delivery), there were significant differences betweenaerosolized and intravenous administered UT-15 at each of the deliveryrates. See FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 depicts the effects on CO: no significant changes were observedfor any delivery rate relative to the respective baseline values norwere any significant changes observed between the two modes of drugdelivery.

FIG. 17 represents the overall effect of aerosolized and intravenouslyinfused UT-15 on the pulmonary circulation, PVR. Intravenous UT-15 hadno significant effect on PVR whereas aerosolized UT-15 did cause asignificant decrease at all 3 delivery rates.

The decrease in PVR for aerosolized UT-15 at 250, 500, and 100 ng per kgper min is attributable to the small increase in PLA and small decreasein PPA. While neither of these variables were significantly differentfrom the baseline values, the combinations (i.e., PPA minus PLA, used inEquation 2) were significant, as depicted in FIG. 25. Intravascularlyinfused UT-15 had no effect on PVR yet did have significant effects onheart rates. The statistical analysis of these data were done usingrigorous two-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests, thus anystatistical differences can be accepted with confidence.

Example V Constricted Intravenous and Aerosolized UT-15 Dose Response

Two separate experiments were conducted to determine the dose responseeffects of intravenously infused UT-15 and aerosolized UT-15 duringU44069 induced pulmonary hypertension. After a 30 minute baseline wasestablished, U44069 was infused intravenously at a rate of 1 ng per kgper min. For the intravenous administration of UT-15 and after allowingthe sheep to achieve a steady-state for 30-60 minutes, a dose-responseto intravenous UT-15 was similar to that set forth in Example IV. Forthe aerosolized administration of UT-15 and after allowing the sheep toachieve a steady-state for 30-60 minutes, a dose-response to intravenousUT-15 was similar to that set forth in Example IV. In each experimentalprotocol, UT-15 was administered to three sheep for 30 minutes and tothe other three sheep for 60 minutes.

No differences were found between 30 minute and 60 minute UT-15 deliveryat each of the three rates of administration. The effects of U44069 andthe subsequent dose-response effects of UT-15 during U44069 infusion onheart rate are shown in FIG. 10. Intravenous UT-15 caused heart rate toincrease above the values during U44069 conditions, whereas aerosolizedUT-15 had no effect on heart rate. In particular, for intravenous UT-15,the heart rate was significantly different relative to the baseline onlyat a delivery rate of 1000 ng per kg per min, whereas both 500 and 1000ng per kg per min intravenous delivery of UT-15 were statisticallydifferent from the U44069 values. Both 500 and 1000 ng per kg per minaerosol delivery rates were different from their correspondingintravenous infusion delivery rates.

Data for central venous pressure are shown by FIG. 19. Some differenceswere noted for central venous pressure for intravenous UT-15, in that,at 500 and 1000 ng per kg per min delivery rates the values weredifferent from the U44069 values. Only the 500 ng per kg per min aerosolvalue was different from the corresponding intravenous UT-15 infusionvalue.

There were no statistical differences for the systemic arterial pressurefor these series of experiments (FIG. 20). Pulmonary arterial pressureresponses are illustrated by FIG. 21. U44069 significantly increased PPArelative baseline and all 3 delivery rates for significantly greater foraerosolized UT-15 for all 3 rates of drug delivery relative tointravenous delivery. In fact, for aerosolized UT 15 at 500 and 1000 ngper kg per min PPA was back to normal values.

U44069 did not alter left atrial pressure significantly. However,intravenously infused UT-15 caused a significant decrease from theU44069 value at all three delivery rates and were different from thebaseline values at 500 and 1000 ng per kg per min. All three aerosoldelivery rates were increased above baseline, while 250 and 500 ng perkg per min were increased above the U44069 values. As can be seen fromFIG. 22, all three aerosol delivery rate effects were different from theintravenously infused delivery rates.

The most dramatic effects for UT-15 by either mode of administrationwere on cardiac output and the “lung variables.” U44069 caused cardiacoutput to decrease from the baseline as depicted in FIG. 23. AerosolUT-15 had no effect on cardiac output. Intravenous UT-15 caused adose-response increase in cardiac output, which was significant at 500and 100 ng per kg per min. At 1000 ng per kg per min, aerosolized UT-15delivery was significantly different from the intravenously infusedUT-15.

FIG. 24 graphically demonstrates the overall effects of intravenous andaerosol delivery of UT-15 on pulmonary vascular resistance duringU44069. It shows that pulmonary vascular resistance, while beingsignificantly attenuated by both intravascularly infused and aerosolizedUT-15, was more affected by aerosolized UT-15. In particular, U44069caused a dramatic increase in PVR, which was significantly attenuated at500 and 1000 ng per kg per min for intravenously infused UT-15.Aerosolized UT-15 caused PVR to decrease such that there was nosignificant difference for any of the three delivery rates relative tothe baseline PVR. Interestingly, the time at which intravenous andaerosol UT-15 began to attenuate the increase in PVR were very similarly(4-5 minutes), whereas the off response for aerosolized UT-15 was muchlonger than intravenous UT-15 (43 vs. 12 minutes).

FIG. 26 shows that although intravascular UT-15 caused PPA to decreasesignificantly from the UT44069 value, this decrease matched by adecrease in PLA. Therefore, the pulmonary vascular driving pressure(PPA-PLA) was unchanged.

Additional Disclosure

In one embodiment, the disease or condition that causes ischemic lesionscomprises scleroderma, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease and/orRaynaud's phenomenon. In another embodiment, the ischemic lesionscomprise digital ischemic lesions, such as finger ulcers and/or necroticlesions. In another embodiment, the disease or condition that thatcauses ischemic lesions comprises systemic schlerosis. In an additionalembodiment, pain and/or other symptoms associated with digital ischemiclesions are reduced, eliminated or prevented upon administration of aneffective amount of Treprostinil and/or its derivatives, and/orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The present invention also relates to kits for accomplishing suchtreatment or prevention of ischemic lesions. The invention includes akit for treatment and/or prevention of ischemic lesions in a subjectwith a disease or condition that causes ischemic lesions, comprising (i)an effective amount of Treprostinil or its derivatives, orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, (ii) one or morepharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or additives, and (iii)instructions for use in treating or preventing ischemic lesions. In oneembodiment, the disease or condition that causes ischemic lesionscomprises scleroderma, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease and/orRaynaud's phenomenon. In another embodiment, the ischemic lesionscomprise digital ischemic lesions, such as finger ulcers and/or necroticlesions. In another embodiment, the disease or condition that thatcauses ischemic lesions comprises systemic schlerosis.

Unless otherwise specified, the term “a” or “an” used herein shall mean“one or more.”

As used herein, the phrase “instructions for use” shall mean anyFDA-mandated labeling, instructions, or package inserts that relate tothe administration of Treprostinil or its derivatives, orpharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for the purpose of treatingor preventing ischemic lesions. For example, instructions for use mayinclude, but are not limited to, indications for ischemic lesions,identification of specific symptoms associated with ischemic lesions,such as digital ulcers or pain, that can be ameliorated by Treprostinil,and recommended dosage amounts for subjects suffering from ischemiclesions.

The term “acid derivative” is used herein to describe C1-4 alkyl estersand amides, including amides wherein the nitrogen is optionallysubstituted by one or two C1-4 alkyl groups.

The invention also includes bioprecursors or “pro-drugs” ofTreprostinil, that is, compounds which are converted in vivo toTreprostinil or its pharmaceutically active derivatives thereof.

Further aspects of the present invention are concerned with the use ofTreprostinil or its derivatives, or pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment orprevention of ischemic lesions in subjects with Buerger's disease,scleroderma, Raynaud's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, or otherconditions.

The present invention also encompasses methods of using Treprostinil orits derivatives, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In oneembodiment, a method uses Treprostinil sodium, currently marketed underthe trade name of REMODULIN®. The FDA has approved Treprostinil sodiumfor the treatment pulmonary arterial hypertension by injection of doseconcentrations of 1.0 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL and 10.0 mg/mL. Thechemical structure formula for Treprostinil sodium is:

Treprostinil sodium is sometimes designated by the chemical names: (a)[(1R,2R,3aS,9aS)-2,3,3a,4,9,9α-hexahydro-2-hydroxy-1-[(3S)-3-hydroxyoctyl]-1H-benz[ninden-5-yl]oxy]aceticacid; or (b)9-deoxy-2′,9-α-methano-3-oxa-4,5,6-trinor-3,7-(1′,3′-interphenylene)-13,14-dihydro-prostaglandinF₁. Treprostinil sodium is also known as: UT-15; LRX-15; 15AU81;UNIPROST™; BW A15AU; and U-62,840. The molecular weight of Treprostinilsodium is 390.52, and its empirical formula is C₂₃H₃₄O₅.

The present invention extends to methods of using physiologicallyacceptable salts of Treprostinil, as well as non-physiologicallyacceptable salts of Treprostinil that may be used in the preparation ofthe pharmacologically active compounds of the invention.

Physiologically acceptable salts of Treprostinil include salts derivedfrom bases. Base salts include ammonium salts (such as quaternaryammonium salts), alkali metal salts such as those of sodium andpotassium, alkaline earth metal salts such as those of calcium andmagnesium, salts with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine andN-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine andlysine.

Quaternary ammonium salts can be formed, for example, by reaction withlower alkyl halides, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl chlorides,bromides, and iodides, with dialkyl sulphates, with long chain halides,such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl, and stearyl chlorides, bromides, andiodides, and with aralkyl halides, such as benzyl and phenethylbromides.

The amount of Treprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, that is required in a medication or diagnosticaid according to the invention to achieve the desired effect will dependon a number of factors, such as the specific application, the nature ofthe particular compound used, the mode of administration, theconcentration of the compound used, and the weight and condition of thepatient. A daily dose per patient for treatment or prevention ofischemic lesions may be in the range 25 μg to 250 mg; 0.5 μg to 2.5 mg,or 7 μg to 285 per day per kilogram bodyweight. For example, anintravenous dose in the range 0.5 μg to 1.5 mg per kilogram bodyweightper day may conveniently be administered as an infusion of from 0.5 ngto 1.0 μg per kilogram bodyweight per minute. One possible dosage is 2.5ng/kg/min, increased over 12 weeks by an amount of 2.50 ng/kg/min eachweek, until a target dose, such as 15 ng/kg/min, is reached. Infusionfluids suitable for this purpose contain, for example, from 10 ng to 1μg per milliliter. Ampoules for injection contain, for example, from 0.1μg to 1.0 mg and orally administrable unit dose formulations, such astablets or capsules, contain, for example, from 0.1 to 100 mg, typicallyfrom 1 to 50 mg. For diagnostic purposes, a single unit dose formulationmay be administered. In the case of physiologically acceptable salts,the weights indicated above refer to the weight of the active compoundion, that is, the ion derived from Treprostinil.

In the manufacture of a medicament or diagnostic aid according to theinvention, hereinafter referred to as a “formulation,” Treprostiniland/or its derivatives, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof, may be admixed with, inter alia, an acceptable carrier. Thecarrier must, of course, be acceptable in the sense of being compatiblewith any other ingredients in the formulation and must not bedeleterious to the subject. The carrier may be a solid or a liquid, orboth, and is preferably formulated with the compound as a unit-doseformulation, for example, a tablet, which may contain from 0.05% to 95%by weight of the active compound. One or more of Treprostinil or itsderivatives, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, may beincorporated in the formulations of the invention, which may be preparedby any of the well known techniques of pharmacy for admixing thecomponents.

In addition to Treprostinil, other pharmacologically active substancesmay be present in the formulations of the present invention which areknown to be useful for treating ischemic lesions in subjects withscleroderma, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon,or other conditions. For example, the compounds of the invention may bepresent in combination with analgesics to treat pain, dressing changes,vasodilator medications, and topical or oral antibiotics.

The formulations of the invention include those suitable for parenteral(e.g., subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, or intravenous), oral,inhalation (in solid and liquid forms), rectal, topical, buccal (e.g.,sub-lingual) and transdermal administration, although the most suitableroute in any given case may depend on the nature and severity of thecondition being treated and on the nature of the particular form ofTreprostinil, its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, which is being used.

Formulations of the present invention suitable for parenteraladministration conveniently comprise sterile aqueous preparations ofTreprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, where the preparations may be isotonic with the blood of theintended recipient. These preparations may be administered by means ofsubcutaneous injection, although administration may also be effectedintravenously or by means of intramuscular or intradermal injection.Such preparations may conveniently be prepared by admixing the compoundwith water or a glycine or citrate buffer and rendering the resultingsolution sterile and isotonic with the blood. Injectable formulationsaccording to the invention may contain from 0.1 to 5% w/v of activecompound and may be administered at a rate of 0.1 ml/min/kg.Alternatively, the invention may administered at a rate of 0.625 to 50ng/kg/min. Alternatively, the invention may be administered at a rate of10 to 15 ng/kg/min.

Formulations suitable for oral administration may be presented indiscrete units, such as capsules, cachets, lozenges, or tablets, eachcontaining a predetermined amount of Treprostinil or its derivative, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; as a powder or granules; asa solution or a suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid; or as anoil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion. Such formulations may be preparedby any suitable method of pharmacy which includes the step of bringinginto association the active compound and a suitable carrier (which maycontain one or more accessory ingredients).

In general, the formulations of the invention are prepared by uniformlyand intimately admixing the active compound with a liquid or finelydivided solid carrier, or both, and then, if necessary, shaping theresulting mixture. For example, a tablet may be prepared by compressingor molding a powder or granules containing the active compound,optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tabletsmay be prepared by compressing, in a suitable machine, the compound in afree-flowing form, such as a powder or granules optionally mixed with abinder, lubricant, inert diluent, and/or surface active/dispersingagent(s). Molded tablets may be made by molding, in a suitable machine,the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid binder.

Formulations suitable for buccal (sub-lingual) administration includelozenges comprising Treprostinil or its derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a flavored base, usuallysucrose and acacia or tragacanth; and pastilles comprising the compoundin an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin or sucrose and acacia.

Formulations suitable for rectal administration are preferably presentedas unit dose suppositories. These may be prepared by admixingTreprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, with one or more conventional solid carriers, for example,cocoa butter, and then shaping the resulting mixture.

Formulations suitable for topical application to the skin preferablytake the form of an ointment, cream, lotion, paste, gel, spray, aerosol,or oil. Carriers which may be used include vaseline, lanoline,polyethylene glycols, alcohols, and combinations of two or more thereof.The active compound is generally present at a concentration of from 0.1to 15% w/w, for example, from 0.5 to 2% w/w. Formulations fortransdermal administration may be delivered by iontophoresis (see, forexample, Pharmaceutical Research, 3(6): 318 (1986)) and typically takethe form of an optionally buffered aqueous solution of Treprostinil orits derivative or salt or thereof. Suitable formulations comprisecitrate or bis/tris buffer (pH 6) or ethanol/water and contain from 0.1to 0.2M active ingredient.

The compounds of the present invention are conveniently prepared bymethods the same as or analogous to those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,306,075, 6,528,688 and 6,441,245.

Additional embodiments are within the scope of the invention. Forexample, in one embodiment, a method for treating or preventing ischemiclesions in a subject, such as a human being, with a disease or conditionthat causes ischemic lesions comprises administering to a subject inneed thereof an effective amount of Treprostinil or its derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another embodiment, a kit for treatment or prevention of ischemiclesions in a subject with a disease or condition that causes ischemiclesions comprises (i) an effective amount of Treprostinil or itsderivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (ii) one ormore pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or additives, and (iii)instructions for use in treating or preventing ischemic lesions.

In certain embodiments, the disease or condition that causes ischemiclesions comprises scleroderma, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's diseaseand/or Raynaud's phenomenon. In one embodiment, the ischemic lesionscomprise digital ischemic lesions. In another embodiment of the method,pain or other symptom associated with digital ischemic lesions isreduced, eliminated or prevented. The digital ischemic lesions includefinger ulcers and/or necrotic lesions. In one embodiment, the disease orcondition that that causes ischemic lesions comprises systemicschlerosis.

In certain method embodiments, the Treprostinil or its derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is administeredsubcutaneously, by continuous subcutaneous infusion, intravenously, inan orally available form selected from the group consisting of tabletsand capsules, and/or by inhalation. In other embodiments, the effectiveamount of Treprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, is at least 1.0 ng/kg of body weight/min.

In certain kit embodiments, the Treprostinil or its derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is in a form suitable forsubcutaneous administration, continuous subcutaneous infusion,intravenously administration or inhalation. In other kit embodiments,the Treprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, is in an orally available form selected from the groupconsisting of tablets and capsules. In another kit embodiment, theeffective amount of Treprostinil or its derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, is at least 1.0 ng/kg of bodyweight/min.

In certain other method embodiments, the disease or condition thatcauses ischemic lesions comprises systemic sclerosis, and the ischemiclesions comprise digital ischemic lesions, and continuous administrationof Treprostinil or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, promotes the healing of at least one digital ischemic lesion,and reduces or prevents the development of new digital ischemic lesions.In another embodiment, a method for reducing, eliminating or preventingpain and disability associated with ischemic lesions (such as digitalischemic lesions) in a subject with a disease or condition that causesischemic lesions comprises administering to a subject in need thereof aneffective amount of Treprostinil or its derivative, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In other embodiments, thesubject is a human being, and the disease or condition that causesischemic lesions comprises Buerger's disease that does not improve withsmoking cessation. In another embodiment, the Treprostinil or itsderivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, isadministered by continuous subcutaneous infusion by an infusion pump.

Additional Examples Example VII Administration of Treprostinil to Humanswith Scleroderma Suffering from Digital Ischemic Lesions

Scleroderma patients having at least one lesion (i.e., small sore orarea of tissue gangrene) present on a hand or finger are dosed withincreasing amounts of Treprostinil over 12 weeks. The medication isdelivered by a small pump that is connected to a catheter placed underthe skin. In this manner, increasing dosages of Treprostinil areadministered to patients by chronic continuous subcutaneous infusion.

Specifically, a 1.0 mg/mL formulation of Treprostinil sodium)(REMODULIN® is administered subcutaneously using a standardmicro-infusion, positive-pressure infusion pump designed forsubcutaneous drug delivery (Mini-Med). Patients receive an initial doseof 2.5 ng/kg/min of study drug. If, in a given patient, a dose of 2.5ng/kg/min is not tolerated (e.g., persistent headache, nausea, emesis,restlessness, anxiety or severe pain at infusion site that cannot beadequately managed by medication or topical treatment), the dose isreduced to 1.25 ng/kg/min. Patients are maintained at 2.5 ng/kg/min (or1.25 ng/kg/min if 2.5 ng/kg/min is not tolerated) during Week 1. Afterthat, the dose is raised by 2.50 ng/kg/min each week until not toleratedor once a target dose is reached.

Dosing is increased weekly unless not tolerated by the patient. Weeklydose increases do not exceed 2.50 ng/kg/min each. One example of atarget dose is 15 ng/kg/min. The minimum dose is usually not less than0.625 ng/kg/min. After completion of the Week 12 treatment, druginfusion are terminated by gradual reduction of the infusion rate (overa period of 1-4 hours, as clinically indicated) until a rate of 0ng/kg/min is reached.

Patients receiving the above-described treatment experience fewer newlesions associated with scleroderma, and see a reduction in the number,size and severity of lesions present before treatment. Theadministration of Treprostinil treats and prevents digital ischemiclesions in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Example VIII Study of Treprostinil (REMODULIN®) for the Treatment andPrevention of Digital Ischemic Lesions in Patients with SystemicSclerosis

Digital ischemic lesions (DIL) occur in up to 35% of patients withsystemic sclerosis and are exquisitely painful, often progressing tonecrosis requiring amputation. The purpose of this study was to evaluatethe effect of Treprostinil on the healing and prevention of DIL inpatients with systemic sclerosis.

Methods:

This study involved 12 subjects with diffuse or limited scleroderma withat least one DIL that had been present for 2 months or more (Table 1).Subjects who completed the study were treated for 12 weeks withTreprostinil and followed for another 8 weeks after drug discontinuation(FIG. 1).

TABLE 1 Baseline Patient Demographics Patient 1 2 3 4 5 Age (years) 36 63 48 52  41  Gender Female Female Female Female Female Limited v.Diffuse Diffuse Diffuse Diffuse Diffuse Diffuse Disease Duration (years)  5.1   14.2   1.7   1.7   1.7 Smoking History Never Never CurrentRemote¹ Current Antiphospholipid Yes No No No No Antibodies Other RiskFactors for None None None None None Vasculopathy² ConcomitantMedications Nifedipine Methotrexate Losartan Lisinopril None forSeleroderma (stable Losartan Diltiazem Minocycline Penicillaminethroughout study) Meloxicam Minocycline Prednisone Celecoxib Number ofDIL 5 25  3 7 9 Size of Target Lesion 7 10 10 5 5 (mm) ¹Remote historyof smoking if quit greater than 10 years ago. ²Risk factors assessed forat screening included a history of sickle cell disease, lymphoma,leukemia, myeloma, paraproteinemia, cryoglobulinemia,cryofibrinogenemia, hepatitis C infection, or diabetes mellitus.

Treprostinil (REMODULIN®) was delivered to the subjects by continuoussubcutaneous infusion, beginning at a rate of infusion of 2.5 ng/kg/min,which was increased by 2.5 ng/kg/min each week until a maximum rate of15 ng/kg/min was achieved. Assessments were performed at baseline, weeks2, 6, 12, 16, and 20. At each visit, the largest (target) lesion andother prominent DIL were measured by recording the largest diameter ofthe lesions. DIL were counted and photographed. Patient and physicianglobal assessment of ulcers as well as patient assessment of disabilityfrom DIL were measured using visual analogue scales (VAS) at each visit.

Results:

Three of the 12 subjects completed the study and two are currently stillenrolled (FIG. 2). Two subjects discontinued the study for surgicaltreatment of previously ischemic digits, and five subjects were unableto complete the study due to intolerable injection site pain (FIG. 2).

Of the four subjects who completed 12 weeks of active therapy, targetlesions improved in all patients, and three experienced completeresolution of their target lesions (FIG. 3). On average there was a 65%decrease in the size of baseline DIL (FIG. 4). No new ulcers developedin any patients while receiving continuous Treprostinil therapy (FIG.5); however, two of three patients developed new ulcers during the8-week follow-up period after drug discontinuation. By week 6, all fivesubjects demonstrated marked improvements in subjective measures ofseverity of their DIL according to patient and physician globalassessment and DIL disability VAS scores. Physician global assessment ofDIL severity improved on average by 60% after 12 weeks of therapy (FIGS.6 and 7). Patient global assessment and DIL disability VAS scoresimproved on average by 89% and 77% respectively by week 12 (FIGS. 6 and7).

Conclusion

This study indicates that continuous subcutaneous Treprostinil therapyis useful in the treatment and prevention of DIL in patients withsystemic sclerosis. Continuous Treprostinil therapy promotes healing ofDIL, and is useful in preventing the development of new DIL. TheTreprostinil therapy also reduces pain and disability associated withDIL.

Example IX Treprostinil Sodium Provides Symptom Relief in SevereBuerger's Disease Background

Buerger's disease (thromboangiitis oliterans or TAO) is a clinicalsyndrome characterized by the development of segmental thromboticocclusions of the medium and small arteries. The disease is clinicallyand pathologically distinguishable from atherosclerotic disease.Histopathology features may vary with the duration of the disease. Inthe chronic or end stage phase of the disease, only organized thrombusand fibrosis of the blood vessel is seen. In all stages of the disease,the normal structure of the vessel wall generally remains intact.Angiographic features of Buerger's disease are the involvement of smalland medium sized vessels, segmental occlusive lesions, more severedisease distally and collateralization around areas of occlusion(corkscrew collaterals). Olin, Jeffery W., Current Concepts:Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger's Disease), N. Engl. J. Med., Volume343(12), 864-869 (Sep. 21, 2000).

It is typically seen in young men who are heavy smokers and is morecommon in Asian and eastern European countries than in the US. Smokingis generally considered a requirement for diagnosis. Proposed clinicaldiagnostic criteria are: 1) smoking history, 2) onset before the age of50 years; 3) infra-popliteal arterial occlusions; 4) either upper limbinvolvement or phlebitis migrans; and 5) absence of atherosclerotic riskfactors other than smoking. Shionoya, Shigehiko Diagnostic criteria ofBuerger's Disease, International Journal of Cardiology 66 (Suppl. 1)S243-S245 (1998).

The primary treatment for Buerger's disease is cessation of cigarettesmoking. Persistent or recurrent symptoms occur rarely in patients whoquit smoking and maintain a tobacco free environment to exclude anysecond-hand smoke. In patients whose disease progresses despite smokingcessation, therapeutic options are limited. Revascularization is rarelyindicated and usually not successful because of the diffuse and distaldistribution of the disease. Mills, Jopseph L Sr. Buerger's Disease inthe 21^(st) Century: Diagnosis, Clinical Features, and Therapy, Seminarsin Vascular Surgery, Vol. 16(3), 179-189 (September 2003).

Treprostinil sodium (REMODULIN®) is a stable analogue of prostacyclinwith a plasma half life of more than 4 hours and is approved in the U.S.for chronic, continuous subcutaneous (SC) infusion in patients withpulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This case illustrates an exampleof a patients with severe and progressive Buerger's disease treated witha continuous subcutaneous infusion of treprostinil sodium in whom therewere no other therapeutic options available.

Case Report

A 42 year old Cuban male was first seen in 2002 for evaluation ofischemic pain of his right hand. The patient had a complicated medicalhistory of bilateral foot gangrene resulting in a left BKA (below theknee amputation) in 1991 and a right BKA in 1993. His only risk factorwas a long history of heavy cigarette smoking. He began to experienceright hand pain in 2002. An arteriogram revealed right hand ischemiawith few distal targets amenable for revascularization. A trial ofthrombolytic therapy was attempted, but abandoned 48 hours later and thepatient was discharged on warfarin. Because of recurrent ischemic ulcersand arm claudication, the patient sought additional opinions by severalother vascular specialists and was told nothing could be done.

The patient's condition was diagnosed in 2002 as Buerger's disease. Thispatient met all the Buerger's diagnostic criteria with the exception ofa positive history of hyperlipidemia which had not been present at thetime he first developed symptoms. Review of systems was negative forconnective tissue disease. On physical examination, both brachial pulseswere palpable but bilateral radial and ulnar pulses were absent. Therewas evidence of chronic ischemic changes in the right hand with loss ofthe digital fat pads. Allens test was abnormal bilaterally. There was asmall area of necrosis beneath the nail of the right thumb. There wasanother ischemic necrotic ulcer in the distal phalanx of the rightmiddle finger just proximal to the nail which measured 1 cm in length.Both hands turned completely white and the patient would complain ofpain with elevation of the arms.

The patient had a long history of smoking but quit in 2002 when hisclaudication and ischemic symptoms recurred. He has no history ofdiabetes or hypertension. He is a recovering alcoholic but deniesillicit drug use. There is no family history of thrombotic disorders, orhypercoagulable disorders. Laboratory findings were negative forconnective tissue diseases. A hypercoagulable lab panel, includingfactor V Leiden, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, prothrombingene mutation, anticardiolipin antibody, and lupus anticoagulant, wasunremarkable.

Cilostazol was added to pentoxifylline, simvastatin and narcoticanalgesics but symptoms did not improve. In December 2002, his rightindex finger was amputated due to gangrene. At follow-up, there wasstill significant necrosis and ulceration of the right thumb. Thepatient was referred to Anesthesia and underwent several stellateganglion blocks, again with no reported change in symptoms. Eventually,the right thumb required amputation. He was lost to follow-up (i.e., wasunder another care provider) for a short period of time and an ulcerthat developed on the right index finger became infected andsubsequently amputated.

Soon after, the patient exhibited disabling claudication symptomsprimarily manifest as weakness in both arms, especially the left, andunable to carry out simply activities of daily living such as dressinghimself or combing his hair. The right middle finger ulcer was nothealing.

Noninvasive vascular testing revealed flat tracings in both upperextremities at the digital level with the left worse than the right. Anarteriogram showed occluded right brachial artery at the elbow withsevere distal disease and an occluded left brachial artery at thetakeoff from the axillary artery with severe disease of the left hand.The arteriogram demonstrated “corkscrew collaterals” at several levels.It was felt that the patient might benefit from revascularization and aleft axillary brachial artery bypass using human umbilical vein wasperformed. Despite therapeutic anticoagulation, the bypass went on toocclude.

At this point, subcutaneous Treprostinil therapy was administered to thepatient. Treprostinil was delivered chronically by continuoussubcutaneous infusion using a pager-sized ambulatory infusion pump(Medtronic Minimed 407C, Minneapolis, Minn.)). In September 2003,Treprostinil was started at 2.5 ng/kg/min and titrated by 1 ng/kg/minevery 7 days until the patient reached his maximum tolerated dose of12.5 ng/kg/min and was continued for the next 10 months. He was unableto tolerate higher doses due to diarrhea and jaw pain, commonly reporteddose limiting side effects of prostacyclin therapy. The patient hasreported improved comfort and increased ability to participate inactivities of daily living such as dressing self, combing his hair,reaching above his head and driving. Doppler studies demonstratedimprovement in pulse volume recording wave form. Attempts to discontinueTreprostinil resulted in return of ischemic symptoms within 1 week. Thepatient is now on a maintenance dose of Treprostinil 12 ng/kg/min from 9PM-9 AM every seventh day, with no drug for the next 7 days. The patienthas had sustained relief of symptoms on this regimen including completehealing of the ulcer on his right middle finger.

The patient's symptomatic improvements appear to be related toTreprostinil infusion. The patient's disease continued to progressdespite quitting smoking in early 2002. We confirmed the patient wassmoke free with a negative cotinine urine test in 2003 at the time hewas started on Treprostinil. There has been continued improvement inpain and digital ulcer healing and an overall improvement in his qualityof life. While there are no formal dosing recommendations from themanufacturer, our dosing regimen including the maintenance dosingappears safe and effective based on clinical improvement.

These results suggest that subcutaneous Treprostinil therapy isclinically useful in Buerger's disease that does not improve withsmoking cessation, particularly in the presence of critical limbischemia where other therapeutic options have failed. The ease of theapplication, similar to insulin pumps, make it an attractive therapeuticoption versus more invasive intravenous delivery and is well tolerated

Example X Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia with Treprostinil Sodium(REMODULIN®) Reduces Rest Pain and Heals Ischemic Ulcers

Background:

Treatment options are limited for patients with chronic critical limbischemia (CLI), a life- and limb-threatening condition and the mostsevere form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Advanced CLI may leadto non-healing ischemic ulcer(s) and/or gangrene(Thrombosis Research106(6): 295-301 (2002)).

The objectives of this study were an open-label, single-centerevaluation of the safety and efficacy of continuous subcutaneousadministration of treprostinil therapy in patients with CLI with noplanned vascular interventional procedures and a determination of a safedose of chronic treprostinil in these patients.

Methods:

The planned enrollment was ten patients. All patients were to haveFontaine Stage III-IV or Rutherford Class 4-6 disease and ankle brachialindexes (ABI) from 0-0.55 in the most affected limb or the limbcontaining the reference ischemic wound for wound healing assessments.Patients were excluded from the study if they had a vascular surgery orvascular procedure within 30 days of study entry, were hemodynamicallyunstable, had acute renal failure, acute pulmonary failure, history ofrecent intracranial bleed, gastric bleeding urinary tract bleeding orsignificant trauma within 6 weeks, a life-threatening malignancyrequiring aggressive chemotherapy, end-stage renal disease and chronicrenal dialysis. Any condition or abnormal laboratory value which, basedon information in the treprostinil package insert, would constitute anunacceptable risk to the patient's safety, also was an exclusioncriterion. Patients could not have been in an investigational trialwithin the past 30 days or been a non-responder to chronic prostanoidtreatment in the past 30 days.

Medications for co-morbid disorders such as coronary artery disease orCOPD, normal wound care, including debridement and antibiotics, andanalgesics for rest pain were permitted during the study but were not tobe changed from the baseline regimens unless clinically necessary.

After the completion of baseline assessments, treprostinil therapy wasinitiated in the clinic. Patients were observed for at least two hoursfollowing the initiation of treprostinil therapy. Patients and/or acaregiver were trained to administer treprostinil on an outpatient basisusing an ambulatory subcutaneous infusion pump (Minimed, Sylmar, Calif.,Model 407C). Each patient was to be initiated at a dose of 2.5 ng/kg/minor lower, with the dose titrated based on tolerability. Dose increaseswere to be 1.25-2.5 ng/kg/min per week. The maximum allowed dose was 15ng/kg/min and the minimum allowed dose was 0.625 ng/kg/min. The patientswere instructed to change the subcutaneous infusion site every threedays.

Patients returned to the clinic for assessments at Weeks 2, 6, and 12.Treprostinil treatment was terminated by gradually decreasing theinfusion rate (over a period of 1-4 hours, as clinically indicated)after the Week 12 visit assessments were completed.

Safety was assessed in all patients using adverse event (AEs) andphysical examination findings. Signs and symptoms of CLI or worseningCLI were not considered to be AEs unless found to be different incausality, intensity, or frequency.

Rest pain was assessed in all patients using a visual analog scale (VAS)for rest pain. The patients were asked to rate their leg pain on a scaleof 0-10 with 0 reflecting no pain and 10 reflecting the worst pain. Thescale was printed and the patients were asked to place a mark on thenumber that reflected their pain experience. Patients were asked to ratethe worst pain they had experienced since the previous assessment andtheir average pain during that time frame. Analgesic medication use wasassessed by the investigator as unchanged, increased, decreased, ordiscontinued.

Wound assessments were to be conducted in patients who had at least oneischemic wound at baseline. If the patient had multiple ischemic wounds,then one or two (usually the largest or most severe wounds) were beselected as reference wounds. The selected wound(s) was photographed fordocumentation. When possible, the outside edge of the wound(s) wastraced for area measurement. The tracings were used to calculate woundarea by measuring the length and width of the wound. Not all wounds wereof the nature that tracings were possible for example, wounds betweentoes or on the heel with extensive tissue loss were not traced. Thesewounds were described and photographed. The wound(s) was assessed foroverall status compared to baseline (i.e., worse, slightly worse,unchanged, slightly improved, improved or healed) at study visits.

In patients who had wounds other than those chosen as reference wounds,the overall status (i.e., worse, the same, improved, or healed) of eachadditional wound also was documented at each study visit. Any new woundsthat occurred during the study also were carefully documented.

TABLE 2 Patient Characteristics (n = 10) Age Range 65-90 82.4 (mean) Sex4 males 40% CAD/CHF 9 90% Hypertension 5 50% TIA/Stroke 3 30% COPD 2 20%DM 4 40% Renal Insufficiency 4 40% GERD 3 30% Lesion sites SFA 10 100% Infra-popliteal 7 70%

Results:

Safety: Ten patients (six females) were enrolled in the study afterwritten consent. The mean age was 82.4 years and ranged from 65-90.Eight patients had established coronary artery disease, four werediabetic, and three had chronic renal insufficiency. All patients haddiffuse PAD involving the superficial femoral artery (SFA).Infra-popliteal disease was present in 7 patients. Six patients hadbilateral limb involvement. One patient had a previous below the kneeamputation (BKA) due to PAD. Three patients had failed by-pass graftsand one had a failed angioplasty. All patients met criteria for FontaineStage IV (Rutherford 5 or 6) disease with ischemic rest pain and atleast one ischemic limb wound. Table 3 summarizes the patientdemographics and disease status.

All patients received subcutaneous treprostinil. All patients receivedan initial dose of 2.5 ng/kg/min of study drug. Nine patients weretitrated to the maximum dose of 15 ng/kg/min between week 1-6. Onepatient elected to stay at 7.5 ng/kg/min due to severe site infusionpain.

The most common sided effect reported was infusion site pain. Twopatients experienced mild jaw pain, one patient reported a mild headacheand one patient experienced diarrhea. These side effects were resolvedgenerally by decreasing the treprostinil dose. Two patients discontinueddrug prematurely. One patient discontinued at week eight related tosevere site pain, jaw pain, headache and diarrhea. One patient feltoverwhelmed by the pump and infusion site changes and withdrew consentat week six but reported only mild infusion site pain.

There were two serious adverse event (SAEs). One female patient had acholecystectomy at week 10 with normal post operative recovery.Treprostinil infusion was not discontinued during the laproscopicprocedure. At week 12, this same patient developed worsening congestiveheart failure requiring additional diuretics and the addition of an ACEinhibitor added to her medication regimen. Both SAEs were judgedunlikely to be related to treprostinil.

Rest pain: There was a 64% reduction in the worst rest pain frombaseline to week 12 (from mean of 8.4 to 2.5) and a 58% reduction inaverage rest pain from baseline to week 12 (from a mean of 7.1 to 2.4).FIG. 8 shows patient-assessed mean average and worst rest pain rating onthe visual analog scales at scheduled study visits and the mean averagerest pain over time during the study.

TABLE 3 Pain Medication Consumption Basline Pain Patient Medication(s)Week 2 Week 6 Week 12 1 PERCOCET ® No change No change No change 2PERCOCET ® Less Less No change 3 PERCOCET ® No change Less No change 4VICODIN ® PERCOCET ® Discontinued 5 PERCOCET ® No change Less Darvocet 6VICODIN ® Less Less PERCOCET ® 7 PERCOCET ® Less Less None 8 PERCOCET ®No change Increased No change 9 PERCOCET ® No change No change 10VICODIN ® Less None None

At baseline, all patients were on either oxycodone HCL/acetaminophen(PERCOCET® Endo Labs Inc) or hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen(VICODIN®, Abbott Laboratories Inc.) to manage ischemic rest pain. Atweek 12, one patient had increased her consumption of pain medication, 4patients medication usage was unchanged from baseline, three patientshad reduced their pain medication consumption, one patient switched to anon-sedating, non-narcotic pain medication and two patients experiencedcomplete pain relief and discontinued all pain medications. The patientwho discontinued the study because of infusion site pain had experiencedcomplete ischemic pain relief and had discontinued pain medication atweek 6, but resumed pain medication one week after discontinuingtreprostinil.

TABLE 4 Ischemic Wounds Reference Wound Location Wound Wound ConditionPatient and description: Baseline Duration: at 12 weeks 1 Right LateralAnkle No 9 months Slightly larger gangrene Exposed Tendon 5 cm² 2 Leftlateral Lower leg 4 months Slightly larger No gangrene 44 cm² 3 L Heellarge amount of 3 months Slightly larger tissue loss with necrosis 63.7cm² 4 L dorsum of foot No 9 months Partially healed Gangrene 15 cm² 5 L5^(th) Toe and documented 2 months Fully healed osteomyelitis Able toprobe to bone No gangrene 0.16 cm² 6 Full thickness dry gangrene 3months No change Left 3, 4, and 5^(th) toes with large dorsal foot woundNo measured 7 Ischemic breakdown R and 1 month Fully Healed L 3^(rd) toeNo gangrene <1.5 cm²* 8 Gangrenous ulceration tip of 3 months No ChangeL 2 toe 1.87 cm² 9 L ulcer medial aspect 2 months Partially healed lowerleg with at six weeks 

cellulites No gangrene 3.5 cm² 10 Neuropathic ulceration 1 year Fullyhealed at R Great Toe No 12 weeks gangrene 1.96 cm²

Wound healing: Wound tracings and investigator rating (worse, unchanged,improved, or completely healed) were used to evaluate ischemic wounds.However, the nature and location of most wounds prevented wound tracing.Wounds varied in location, extent of tissue loss and degree of gangreneor necrosis. The investigator evaluation of worse, unchanged, improvedor completely healed was used in the final evaluation. All ten patientshad at least on ischemic wound at baseline. Wound duration varied fromfour weeks to nine months. Wound size ranged from 0.16-63.7 cm². Threepatients experienced complete healing of their wounds. Patient 5demonstrated complete wound closure at week 6 and patient 7 and 10demonstrated complete wound closure at week 12. No patient developed anew wound during the trial. Brief case reports for these patients arepresented below. A fourth case report is presented which represents aunique use for prostacyclin. Treprostinil was used to delay amputationto allow the patient to complete rehabilitation for a fractured hip onthe endangered limb.

Case 1

Patient 5 is an 88 year old female with peripheral vascular disease. Anarteriogram shows a completely occluded left SFA with collateralsreconstituting the left popliteal artery. Her ABI at baseline was 0.30.She had a small ischemic ulcer on the left second toe for 2 months thatmeasured 0.16 cm² and one could probe to the bone. An MRA notedosteomyelitis of the left second toe. She had complete wound closure atweek 6. While her rest pain did not resolve completely, she changed fromhydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen, to propoxyphene and acetaminophen.Her treprostinil dose was 15 ng/kg/min.

Case 2

Patient 7 is an 88 year old female who presented with non-healingischemic wounds on the right and left third toe following toenailremoval 4 weeks previously. She had bilateral renal angioplasty withstints in 2003. An arteriogram was deferred due to her renal status andcreatinine of 2.7. The MRA showed diffuse infra-inguinal disease withtwo vessel run off to the foot. She was unable to walk any distancewithout leg pain and experienced severe ischemic rest pain. Her ABI atbaseline were right 0.40 and left 0.36. At week 6 she had completeresolution of her rest pain, was able to walk without restrictions, anddiscontinued narcotic pain medication. At week 12 she had complete woundclosure. Her treprostinil dose was 7.5 ng/kg/min.

Case 3

Patient 10 is a 65 year old male, insulin dependent diabetic, chronicrenal insufficiency, and congestive heart failure with 13 year historyof PAD. He had a right femoral popliteal by-pass in 1991 and documentedocclusion 5 months later. He has had repeated neuropathic ulcerations ofthe right great toe that have never fully resolved since 2001 in thepresence of PAD. He participated in previous trial of another prostanoidin late 2001 and demonstrated improvement in ulcer at the completion ofthe trial but it is unknown if he was on placebo or active drug. Hebegan experiencing ischemic rest pain in his right leg in 2003. Atbaseline, he had a non-healing ulcer on his right great toe for 9 monthsmeasuring 1.96 cm². He completed 12 weeks of treprostinil and showedearly wound healing with complete wound closure at week 12. He alsoexperienced complete resolution of his ischemic rest pain at week 2 aswell as severe claudication symptoms and discontinued his narcotic painmedications. His treprostinil dose was 15 ng/kg/min.

Case 4

Patient 3 is an 82 year old male with a history of oxygen dependentCOPD, atrial fibrillation, hyperglycemia, anemia of unknown origin andmultilevel vascular disease. His vascular disease history includedtransient ischemic attacks (TIA) requiring a carotid endarterectomy in1995 and again in 2003, coronary artery disease requiring a coronaryartery bypass in 1995, and documented peripheral artery disease since2002. He broke his left hip in August 2003 and developed left heel andleg ischemic ulcers while in a rehabilitation facility. An ultrasound inNovember 2003 demonstrated distal right SFA stenosis, proximal left SFAmid SFA occlusion with large collaterals. Minimal flow was seen at theankle level with toe pressure less than 40 mm/Hg. The right ABI was 0.58and the left ABI was 0.25. The patient had two large ischemic woundswith extensive tissue loss located on the left heel (63.75 cm²) and leftlateral leg (40.17 cm²). There was concern the patient would be unableto utilize a prosthetic limb following an amputation in the presence ofthe recent hip fracture and incomplete healing of the prosthetic hip. Hewas enrolled in the study to stabilize the wounds, provided rest painrelief, delay amputation and continue the rehabilitation of the lefthip. His wounds remained stable during the twelve weeks of drugtreatment with no significant improvement, however, no worsening.Average rest pain scores were 7 at baseline and reduced to 4. Worst restpain scores reduced from 8 to 4. He reduced his pain medicationconsumption from hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen, and oxycontin tooxycodone HCL/acetaminophen alone. He was able to completerehabilitation of his left hip and it is anticipated he will be able toutilize a prosthetic limb following a BKA as a result of this extra timefor rehabilitation therapy.

Conclusions:

This open-label study supports the safety of treprostinil infusion. Thepatients enrolled in this study reflected the demographics seen withthis end stage presentation of PAD. This is a heterogeneous populationwith significant co-morbid disorders contributing to the overall diseaseprocess. These patients are the worst of the worst with impendingamputations.

Ischemic pain and wounds are the primary management problem in patientswith CLI. Treprostinil provided pain relief in all patients as well aswound healing in three patients. The patients who failed to demonstratehealing had large wounds with necrosis and/or gangrene. While the threepatients who demonstrated complete healing had less tissue loss, onewould anticipate they would have deteriorated given their extensivevascular disease and lack of surgical revascularization options.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the compositions andprocesses of this invention. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention cover such modifications and variations, provided they comewithin the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The disclosure of all publications cited above are expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entireties to the same extentas if each were incorporated by reference individually.

1.-7. (canceled)
 8. A method of treating a human patient suffering frompulmonary hypertension, comprising: providing an infusion solutioncomprising 0.1 to 5% w/v of treprostinil or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt or ester thereof, and intravenously administering theinfusion solution to the human patient at a rate of from 0.625 to 50ng/kg/min.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the infusion solution issterile and isotonic with blood.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein theinfusion solution is administered at a rate of 0.1 ml/min/kg.
 11. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the rate of administration is from 10 to 15ng/kg/min.